Arianna Kemp, left, Nicole Honnen, Maddie Warren, Maryanna DeLine and Abby Padgett are among the 19 who will be presented at the 2016 Denver Debutante Ball. (Photos by Nicole Evans, Special to The Denver Post)

The 19 young women who will be presented at the 2016 Denver Debutante Ball were announced at an afternoon tea chaired by Betty Lynn Jackson and held at the home of Amy Whalen. Both are past chairs of the event that raises money for Denver Botanic Gardens.

The 61st Denver Debutante Ball will be held Dec. 22 at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. Missy Eliot, who was presented in 1979, is the chairwoman; Julie Wham is the co-chairwoman and Sharon Martin is the honorary chairwoman.

The 2016 debs are:

Morgan Alexander, a senior at Cherry Creek High School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kassler Alexander of Cherry Hills Village.

Morgan is a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council & was a DECA national finalist for a Finance Operations Research project and serves as a Nordstrom Fashion Ambassador. Her family has been in Colorado for six generations. Her sister, Madison, was a debutante in 2014; her grandmother, the late Phyllis S. Alexander, served on the Denver Debutante Ball committee.

Ingrid Kopperud Backes, a senior at East High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Backes of Denver.
Ingrid is captain of the East High swim team. She has lettered in swimming for four years and has received Academic All-State honors. She also is involved with the Athletic Leadership Council, band and yearbook; off campus, she volunteers at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Hospital. Three members of her family have debuted at the ball, as well: Berit Backes in 2011, Maeve Moynihan in 2013 and Annika Backes in 2014.

Martha Dickinson Baker, a senior at Colorado Academy and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Daniels Baker of Denver

Martha is the co-chair of the Young Americans Youth Advisory Board, is a member of the Mock Trial A Team and the Community Leadership team. She has received Academic honors for each of her four years at CA and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the French Honor Society. She volunteers at Los Amigos de Boya and is the director of H.O.P.E. She will attend Claremont McKenna College in the fall.

Madeline Louise Bragg, a senior at Kent Denver School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Tully Bragg of Denver

Madeline, who will attend Santa Clara University, has received awards in physics and photography. She has also had artwork featured in the 2016 Learning to See Color exhibit at the University of Denver. She participates on the volleyball and tennis teams, volunteers at St. Elizabeth’s School and enjoys skiing.

Maryanna Elizabeth DeLine, a senior at Cherry Creek High School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Christopher DeLine of Englewood

Maryanna, who will attend the University of Colorado, maintains a 4.0 grade average at Creek, where she is a member of the Honor Roll, the National Honor Society and recipient of the Bruin Award for field hockey. She has received First Team Academic and All-State honors for field hockey and coaches lacrosse. In addition she is a church volunteer, a member of DECA and enjoys skiing and golf.

Jennifer Lynn Groene, a senior at Arapahoe High School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Allan Groene of Englewood

An academic letterman, Jennifer belongs to the National Honor Society, is a two-year Link Crew mentor, served as a counselor at a science camp and has organized food drives. She enjoys playing the piano, horseback riding and photography, and has volunteered at the Denver Dumb Friends League.

Jennifer was a 2015 Central City Flower Girl; her mother, Cathy Groene, a debutante in 1978, serves on the 2016 ball committee.

Alexandra Jane Grow, a senior at Kent and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Benson Grow III of Denver

A member of the Academic Honor Roll and Kent’s girls basketball team, Alexandra is the lead singer in the school’s rhythm and blues band, which performs across the country and overseas. She is also a singer and trumpet player in the Quincy Avenue Rhythm Band, which won the National Downbeat Award.

In addition, Alexandra is involved in service projects and trips hosted by Wellshire Presbyterian Church. She also started a band with friends that performs at local events and fundraisers. Her aunt, Julie Grow Olson, is a former Denver Debutante Ball honoree.

Nicole Christine Honnen, a senior at Cherry Creek High and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Honnen of Cherry Hills Village

Nicole, who will be attending Baylor University, is a Young Life student leader, a member of the DECA Business Club and Global Leadership Adventures. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, the High Honor Roll and lettered in tennis.

She volunteers at His Love Fellowship Church, is a past class president of the National Charity League, is a member of the National Association of Mental Illness Community and the owner and designer at Beads For a Difference, which donates 35 percent from of each purchase to a charity.

Nicole was a 2015 Central City Flower Girl and a fifth-generation Colorado native. Family members who made their debuts at the Denver Debutante Ball are Christine L. Honnen (aunt) in 1972, Eileen Honnen Morton (aunt) in 1973, Susan Honnen Erzinger (aunt) in 1975, Elisabeth Tutt Steinegger (cousin) in 1999 and Nell Erzinger Sapp (cousin) in 2010.

Alexis Caroline Hutchison, a senior at Kent and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Heath Christian Hutchison of Greenwood Village

Alexis, a 2015 Central City Flower Girl, worked as a lifeguard for three summers. She also was captain of Kent’s JV soccer and volleyball teams and received a varsity letter in soccer.

She made High Honor Roll and the Dean’s List; was involved in a turtle conservation and coastal restoration project in Costa Rica; worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado, tutored students and coached special-needs children in Australia.

Members of her family who are past debutantes are Haeley Hutchison (sister) in 2013, Mikaela Hutchison (cousin) in 2011 and Morgan Hutchison in 2014.

Debutante Jennifer Groene and her mother, Cathy.

Ariana Byrne Kemp, a senior at Kent and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Warren Kemp of Englewood

Ariana, who has received Outstanding Achievement honors in race, class and gender and Advanced Placement French, will be attending Claremont McKenna College to pursue her interests in foreign affairs and international relations. At Kent, Ariana is involved with tennis, the A Capella Choir, UN, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity and modeling. Her great-great grandparents arrived in Colorado in the early 1900s.

Elise Evelyn Korneffel, a senior at Colorado Academy and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Korneffel Jr. of Denver

Elise, a 2015 Central City Flower Girl, is the editor of Kokopelli, Colorado Academy’s literary magazine. She is a three-year Honor Roll member, is one of 20 artists chosen to exhibit at the Lu Lube Gallery and has been a student HOPE volunteer for families in need. She is a volunteer photographer for Horizons, an educational enrichment program for low-income students in the Denver Public Schools.

A fifth-generation Coloradan, Elise’s great-great-grandfather was editor-in-chief of the Rocky Mountain News. Her great-grandfather was the founder of the Sherman & Howard law firm.

Hannah Reilly Lyford, a senior at East High School and daughter of Richard Lyford III and Ellen Reilly of Denver

Hannah is the secretary/treasurer of East’s Student Council. She’s also a member of the Honor Roll and the National Honor Society and was appointed to the Athletic Leadership Council. She plays varsity tennis, qualified for the Junior Olympics synchronized swim team and volunteers with the Key Club and as a synchronized swimming coach. She aspires to a career in medicine.

There have been four debutantes in her family: Sue Reilly (aunt), Ashley Schumar (aunt), Cary Lyford (aunt) and Ellen Reilly (mother).

Margaret Lockwood McGlynn, a senior at East and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. McGlynn of Denver

Margaret is on the yearbook staff, has played varsity lacrosse for four years, assists with coaching lacrosse and was on the junior varsity field hockey team for two years. She is a volunteer with Impact 360, which works with at-risk middle- and high school students to guide them on a path to college while engaging them in cycling or squash. She is also involved with Best Buddies, who work to integrate special education students with the entire student body. She spent two weeks in Peru, planting over 500 trees in rural villages.
In addition, Margaret has received Academic First Team All-State honors for lacrosse and is a member of the National Honor Society

Marjorie Mae Nicholson, a senior at East and daughter of Will Faust Nicholson III and Christine Callaghan Nicholson of Denver

Marjorie is on the Honor Roll, lettered in varsity volleyball for three years, is a five-time qualifier to the USA Volleyball Jr. National Championships and is a teacher’s assistant. She participated in the Christian Youth Conference in New Orleans in 2012, enjoys music, hiking, skiing, singing and traveling.

Former debutantes in her family are: Ann Nicholson Naughton (aunt) in 1974; sisters Olivia Baker Nicholson in 2008, Elizabeth Ann Nicholson in 2011 and Emily Kathleen Gladys Nicholson in 2014. Her mother, Christine Nicholson, is a member of the Denver Debutante Committee. Her great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Will F. Nicholson, were in the receiving line at the first Denver Debutante Ball; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Will F. Nicholson Jr. were in the receiving line for the 50th anniversary Denver Debutante Ball. Marjorie’s great-grandfather was Denver’s mayor from 1955-1959.

Abigail is the third of four daughters, her two older sisters were presented in 2013 and 2014. Her mother, Melissa Rodgers Padgett, and her aunt, Melissa’s twin, Melinda Rodgers Cousins, were both presented in 1978. Her grandmother, former Citizen of the West Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, was in the 2013 ball’s receiving line. Abigail’s great-grandfather established the Anschutz Family Foundation, which her grandmother now heads.

Remington Anne Ruyle, a senior at East and daughter of Dr. Stephen and Dr. Stephanie Ruyle of Denver

Remington, a fifth-generation Coloradan and member of the Honor Roll, has received the Colorado Scholastic Athlete Award, is an AP Scholar with distinction, and recipient of district, state and national titles in the We the People: the Citizen & the Constitution competition. She finished 11th overall at the nationals. Remington plays varsity field hockey, is president of the Science Olympiad and captain of the Constitutional Law Team. She’s also a peer mentor at East and was a counselor at Camp Invention.

She enjoys skiing, traveling, knitting, the Japanese culture, physics, Spanish and government studies.

Madeline Jean Warren, a senior at Cherry Creek High and daughter of Robert Edward Warren III and Deborah Michas of Cherry Hills Village

Madeline, whose family has been in Colorado for six generations, is captain of the track team, an officer in DECA, runs cross country and skis. She is active with Young Life and the Children’s Global Alliance and volunteers with Food Bank of the Rockies.

Molly Kathleen Maeve Wulf, a senior at East and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Douglas Wulf of Denver

Molly is on the Constitutional Scholars Team, is a member of the Leadership Council, serves as yearbook business manager and is an intern for the Global Livingston Institute. She has been recognized as a Constitutional Law district and state champion and as a national competitor. Her photographs are part of her school’s permanent art collection.She is a Photographers Forum finalist and captain of the varsity tennis team.
She’s also president of Images for Angels; a BraveTracks Youth Advisory Board member, Colfax Community Network volunteer and has traveled to 21 countries pursuing her passion for photography.

Oakley Higginson Wurzweiler, a senior at Kent and daughter of Wendel Wolfe Wurzweiler and Lisa Higginson Gould of Englewood

Patrons peruse the artwork during bidding hours at the 2016 Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale Red Carpet Reception at the National Western Stock Show Expo Hall. (Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

Serious collectors — for example, those in a position to buy one of two $36,000 airbrush acrylics by featured artist Don Coen or “Hunter’s Moon,” a $22,000 oil by Denver artist Eldridge Hardie — were out in force.
So, too, were those content to browse a gallery filled with works by Duke Beardsley, Joellyn Duesberry, Quang Ho and 70-some other painters and sculptors from as far away as Canada and Germany.

Sharon and artist Ron Hicks. (Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

But what united the capacity crowd at Tuesday’s Red Carpet Reception for the 2016 Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale was a fellowship shared by those who appreciate the Western way of life. Even if they are city slickers.
“I’m all hat and no cattle,” explained retired Denver dentist Julika Ambrose as she enjoyed dinner in the company of friends Carolyn Schaefer Wollard; former Red Carpet Reception chair Ann Daley; Carole and Leo Hayward; and glass artist Ann Wolff. “But I do enjoy the Western lifestyle, so once a year I drag all of this out.”
The “this” included a black cowboy hat and an embellished suede blazer accessorized with a vintage squash blossom necklace.
Bolo ties were popular with the men. The advisory committee chair, Dr. Steven Kick, wore a Navajo pawn cast silver tie while Dr. William Hiatt’s featured turquoise and jet inlay.

The 1,000 guests at the event chaired by Kathy Coors helped raise $1 million for the National Western Scholarship Trust, which provides financial aid to college students preparing to become the next generation of agribusiness leaders and rural medicine practitioners. The figure is expected to increase because the art not sold that night will remain on sale from Jan. 9-24 on the third floor of the Expo Hall on the National Western Stock Show grounds, 4655 Humboldt St.
Coors and her husband, Brad, were Gold Patrons of the reception and also had the honor of presenting the Best of Show Award, a $2,500 grant to Teresa Elliott of Alpine, Texas, for her oil titled “Brahman Cow.” Elliott had five oil paintings in the 2016 show and says her goal as an artist is to “Reveal a powerful visual statement through attention paid to color relationships, design and paint handling.”

Jane Petrie and Rennie Howard. (Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

Other Gold Patrons were Carol Burt and Ray Hilliard. MillerCoors was the Title Sponsor; Official Sponsors were Henry and Lorie Gordon, Anadarko Petroleum and the Dea Family Foundation.
Denver artist Ron Hicks, there with his wife, Sharon, said he was elated to have been chosen to participate in the exhibit and sale curated by Rose Fredrick.
“It’s my first time here,” Hicks said, adding that he hoped that all three of his oil paintings would sell: “Mystere,” “Out on the Town” and “Out to Pasture.” He said his work depicts “slices of life — often with a touch of mystery. Well, maybe not ‘Out to Pasture.’ That cow is realism.”
Hicks also spent time that night admiring the work of other participants. He particularly liked the paintings by David Grossmann of Pueblo. “I like the way he chooses colors,” Hicks said. In particular, the shades of orange in “Descending Moon and Reaching Trees.”
Denver Botanic Gardens trustee Nancy Schotters and her husband, Barney, paused to share some highlights from what Nancy described as a year filled with much personal change: moving to a new home in Observatory Park, helping to plan their daughter’s wedding and welcoming a new grandchild.

Becky and Kit Haddock. (Steve Peterson , Special to The Denver Post)

In addition to browsing and buying, guests at the Red Carpet Reception enjoyed a buffet supper catered by K-M Concessions. The choices included wedge salad, mac ‘n’ cheese, roast pork and beef tenderloin.Ron Williams, chairman of the National Western Stock Show board of directors, was there with his wife, Cille, and said that the Red Carpet Reception marked the start of a busy several days. He participated in Thursday’s Stock Show Kickoff Parade, Friday’s Boots & Business Luncheon and attended all three rodeos that on Saturday.
Others there to support the cause were Pete and Marilyn Coors; Stock Show president Paul Andrews and his predecessor, Pat Grant; Friends of The Haven president Bill Winn; Denver Zoo trustees Louis Clinton and Katie Schoelzel with their spouses, Sue Clinton and Scott Schoelzel; Kathy Coors’ parents, Boots and Dr. Bob Safford; Bruce and Jill Dines; Buck and Janelle Blessing; Rockmount Ranch Wear’s Steve and Wendy Weil; Nancy Petry; and Amanda Boswell, co-chair of the show and sale’s Young Guns committee.
University of Colorado president Bruce Benson and his wife, Marcy, were there, too, along with attorney Richard Russo and his wife, Sally; Peter Dea and his wife, Cathy Carpenter Dea; patron committee chair Heather Kemper Miller; Bill and Joanne Sinclaire; UMB Bank’s Mariner Kemper and his wife, Megan; Lanny and Sharon Martin (he heads the Denver Art Museum board of trustees); artist William Matthews and wife Laura Barton; Ces Grant and Kurt Smitz; John and Satya Pritzlaff; Jane Petrie; Occasions Catering chief Jeremy Bronson and his wife, Kristin Merritt Bronson, a partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, one of the Red Carpet Reception’s Bronze Patron sponsors; rancher Tim Ryan and his wife, Katherine; and Ken and Julie Mirr of the Mirr Ranch Group.

Chairwoman Meg Nichols, in red gown, poses with the 2015 Denver Debutante Ball honorees. (Photos by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

The 60th Denver Debutante Ball was a magical evening filled with touches that recalled special moments from years gone by while saluting the next generation of leaders — the 32 young women preparing for careers that range from medicine and special education to fashion merchandising and hotel management.
Chairwoman Meg Nichols and her committee offered the 983 guests an evening filled with what she described as “lots of surprises,” including a 1 a.m. hat toss that had been a signature of the late Lester Lanin, whose New York-based society orchestra had provided dance music for the ball well into the 1980s. The red, white and blue canvas hats that Jerry Barnett and members of his Jerry Barnett Orchestra sent flying were embroidered with the inscription “Cheers to 60 Years.”
“And right before that,” Nichols added, “the orchestra is going to play songs that were popular over the years … period pieces, if you will, that maybe none of the young people will recognize but the rest of us sure will.”
Dinner tables were centered with arrangements of red roses and carnations, the latter being a tip of the hat to the blossoms that were used in the inaugural year. The three-course meal ended with chocolate eclairs, the dessert served in 1956, the year the first Denver Debutante Ball was held.
The presentation began with a six-trumpet fanfare, a number selected to represent the ball’s six decades, and the introduction of all of the living past chairs: Katie Stapleton, Judy Grant, Dawn Wood, Lise Bellmar, Ginny Freyer, Amy Whalen, Sharon Martin, Sally Rippey, Betty Lynn Jackson, Barbara Danos, Nancy Wimbush, Mary Lou Barnhart, Pam Bansbach, Diane Hickerson, Jane Yale and Barbara Knight.
Several of them reprised the gowns they had worn during the years they had served as ball chairs; some in their original state, others with a new twist.

Ask the parents of the 30 college-bound high school seniors who were presented at the 2015 Jack and Jill Beautillion to describe their sons, and they’ll respond with words and phrases like “charismatic,” “a gifted thinker” and “he leads a life driven by compassion.”

Descriptors, it would seem, that helped inspire the evening’s theme, “Equipped To Make A Difference: Celebrating Lives That Matter.”

Sponsored by Denver chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and chaired by Meosha Brooks, Portia Hicks and Tomeka Speller, the Beautillion is a black-tie dinner and dance that gives public acknowledgement to the academic and civic accomplishments of African-American teens who this year have career goals that range from aerospace engineering to directing movies that spark social change.

“The dreams of our young men can and will be fulfilled,” Brooks declared before turning the microphone over to masters of ceremony Tony Pigford and Eddie Koen.
Pigford, a Beau in 1990, is a founding member of the Denver African-American Philanthropists: Black Men Giving with a Purpose, and the coordinator of the Denver Public Schools’ student voice and leadership initiatives.

Tony Pigford , left, and Eddie Koen were masters of ceremony for the Beautillion. (David Zalubowski, Special to The Denver Post)

Prior to joining College Track as its regional executive director, Koen managed Habitat for Humanity’s A corporate leadership team, helping to raise $30 million for its World of Hope campaign. A 2013 graduate of Leadership Denver, Koen serves on the boards of the Denver Foundation and the Colorado Latino Leadership and Research Organization.

In addition to being introduced to an audience that included state Rep. Angela Williams and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the Beaus also divided some $38,000 in scholarship awards.

Twenty-five years ago, Anna Bates, a member of the Colorado Ballet board of trustees, had an idea: Why not capitalize on the popularity of “The Nutcracker” — and introduce more young people to the art of ballet — by inviting second-grade girls to become Nutcracker Sugarplums?

Over the course of a year, the youngsters would participate in a variety of activities, some that involved their parents, others that helped build friendships.

The Sugarplum Year would end with back-to-back nights sure to leave a lasting memory.

On the first, they would be the guests of honor at the Sugarplum Ball; on the following, they would be introduced on stage just before the curtain went up on opening night of “The Nutcracker’s” holiday run.

There would be a fee to participate in the Sugarplum program, with net proceeds going to Colorado Ballet. The program was successful beyond even Bates’ wildest dreams, raising over $1 million since its start.

Bates, who now lives in Utah, was unable to come to Denver to celebrate the program’s silver anniversary, but friends say she was there in spirit as mistress of ceremonies Denise Sanderson introduced the 2015 honorees:

Youngsters gather ’round as pianist John Kite leads them in a round of “Jingle Bells” during the social hour that preceded the Sugarplum presentation at the Brown Palace Hotel. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

The 2015 Sugarplum Ball, chaired by Monica Denler and Anne Larsen, was held at the Brown Palace Hotel. Katy Brown headed the Sugarplum program; advisers were Holly Price, Kelly Matthews and Kristen Miner. Miner is president of the sponsoring Colorado Ballet Auxiliary.

Ever wonder where life has led the Sugarplums? We asked parents of some previous honorees for updates:

Leigh Armstrong Young: Lives in Sydney, where she is a buyer for Industrie, the largest maker of menswear in Australia.

Jessie Sanderson Massey: After teaching for five years in the Mapleton School District, she has taken a position as an instructional guide, coaching other teachers. She is also pursuing her administrative license.

Claire Sanderson: She’s living in Washington, D.C., and working as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Hayley Zoe Kortz: Lives in Brooklyn and is a television producer, currently working on the TLC series “Cake Boss.” She has also worked on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and a Rachel Ray junior chef show.

Rachel Reese: Lives in southern Oregon, where she is involved with the local food source movement, raising naturally grown vegetables and pasture-raised chickens.

Caitlyn Bell Van Valin: Remains in Denver, where she manages the marketing and sales division of Corporate Stock Transfer.

Annika Backes: Lives in New York City, where she is a model.

Brittany Bowlen: The daughter of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and his wife, Annabel, also lives in New York City, where she works for the National Football League.

Rebecca Murray: After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Rebecca returned to Denver and is a pet toy designer.

Brianna Dix: Is enrolled at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Kara Lorenzen: Is a Realtor, working with her mother, Gina Lorenzen, at Kentwood Real Estate.

Elizabeth Gart: Is a bilingual teacher at an elementary school in Avon, where she also teaches skiing.

Caroline Gart: An actor/producer in New York City.

Molly Miller: An 8th grader at St. Mary’s Academy, Molly recently returned from a two-week service and leadership trip to Ollantaytambo, Peru. The focus of the trip was to empower young leaders to find new and innovative approaches to the world’s pressing issues. She is also a Colorado Kids reporter for the Denver Post, writing weekly book reviews and articles. Molly also plays competitive soccer with Riverside Soccer Club and Alpine ski races with Team Summit.

Audrey Graves: Since participating in the Sugarplum Program, the West Middle School student has continued to pursue her interest in the performing arts. She studies musical theater, voice and dance and performs in various local community theatrical productions. Audrey has also appeared in several print, radio and television commercials and is working on her own solo music album, which is due out in 2016. She plans to study musical theater in college and hopes to someday perform on Broadway.

Corinne Adams Price: A graduate of Graland Country Day School, Corinne is now a junior at Regis Jesuit High School where she has been on the Honor Roll since her freshman year. She was selected for the National Honors Society this year. Corinne is co-president of the Fencing Club and belongs to the Classics Club and the A Capella choir. She was selected for the Rotary International Young Leadership Awards last summer and attended their conference. She loves playing lacrosse and has competed on the University of Denver Summit team as well as her Regis team and serves as a Colorado Girls Lacrosse Association referee.

Her mom, Holly Price, adds:

“She is a huge supporter of Girl Rising and while at Graland worked to raise money to send an African girl to school for two years. She is also very involved with Warren Village. She has helped with with the Sugarplum program in any way needed for the past three years because she had such a wonderful time in the program that she wants other girls to have that same experience. Each year she donates her time at the Holiday Party helping out with the girls and then she helps on the night of the ball by managing the presentation process. Finally, she volunteers every year to assist with the presentation at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, shepherding the girls backstage and helping with them after the presentation.”
“From middle school on, she has been active in the Denver Ballet Guild’s Les Cygnettes and Les Demoiselles programs as well as the Colorado Ballet Auxiliary’s Esprit de Corps, Backstage and Ambassadors programs.”

The presentation at the Brown Palace Hotel was followed by dinner, a magic show for the youngsters, and dancing. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

Many of the designers put their day jobs on hold to create special, elaborate collections specifically for the event, rather than selecting ready-to-wear pieces that may already be hanging in their studios.

It’s no surprise that the event is such a dear and beloved one among Denver’s creative community — it supports an organization close to the hearts of many.

The Colorado AIDS Project helps hundreds in the metro area through health education services, financial and housing assistance, substance abuse counseling and more. The goal is to help the community live healthier by educating those at risk of HIV, and working with them to choose safer behaviors.

“We have something happening that nobody knows about. We’re doing a protest – we’re literally doing a protest on the runway. Are we here because of the beautiful clothes and beautiful hair? Yes….but really, it’s about the message. ‘Get tested,’ ‘Stop aids,’ ‘Support the people out there.’”

All four of Colorado’s living former governors — Dick Lamm, Bill Ritter, Bill Owens and Roy Romer — joined the state’s current chief executive, John Hickenlooper, for this two-tiered event that raised about $75,000 for the GRPF’s ongoing efforts to restore and maintain the stately mansion that has been home to Colorado governors since 1959.

As Hickenlooper observed” “How many states have five governors sit together at a dinner like this?”

What gave the evening a reunion feel was the fact that several members of the former first families were there, too: first ladies Bea Romer, Dottie Lamm, Frances Owens and Jeannie Ritter and such offspring as Abe and Tally Ritter and Monica Owens Beauprez with her brothers Brett and Mark.

Chris Romer and his mother, Bea Romer. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

The nonprofit GRPF was founded in 2007, by then-Gov. Bill Ritter’s wife, Jeannie. Since then, the organization has completed some $500,000 in preservation projects, offered Colorado leadership history courses to 15,000 elementary school students and has welcomed 50,000 visitors from around the world.

But, back to the party:

The $150-a-ticket cocktail reception ran from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. inside the mansion and the 200 guests were able to mix and mingle with the governors while enjoying piano music by Michael Weis and hors d’oeuvres prepared by students at the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. The treats included braised bacon rillettes topped with shallot jam and cranberries, chilled pumpkin and eggnog shooters, flamethrower’s corn bread with red-eyed ham, pumpkin spice popcorn and sweet potato fries.

Weis, who is blind, is a friend of the Owens family and entertained for them frequently when Bill Owens was governor, including at the 2005 Western Governors Conference held in Breckenridge.

Once the cocktail party ended, those who had bought in at the $500-a-ticket level moved on to the Carriage House for a five-course dinner coordinated by Joan Brewster, executive director of the Colorado Chefs Association.

The meal began with tea-smoked diver scallops served on apple-braised LePuy lentils and foie gras brulee. Salad was roasted Colorado beets mixed with pecans and dried cherries and topped with whipped Haystack goat cheese and tomato-ginger vinaigrette.

The main course was Colorado lamb, while dessert was a gingerbread cake with carmelized fresh pumpkin, chocolate cremeaux and pumpkin gelato.

The gingerbread cake dessert. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

At the dinner, Hickenlooper and his girlfriend, Robin Pringle, were seated with a group that included Matt Wasserman, chairman of the GRPF board; Barry and GRPF board member Arlene Hirschfeld; Bank of America senior vice president Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod and Denver Post chairman Dean Singleton.

Others taking part in this memorable occasion emceed by CBS4’s Ed Greene were Nicole Bopp, the GRPF’s executive director; Katie Kramer, vice president and assistant executive director of the Boettcher Foundation; Brook Kramer, vice chair of the GRPF board; state Treasurer Walker Stapleton and his wife, Jenna; Barbara Bridges; Jay and Kristina Davidson; LaFawn Biddle; George and Gail Johnson; David McReynolds; R.D. Sewald; Josh Hanfling; Carl and Christine Battista; Pat Robinson; Jeff Wasden; Stanton Dodge, who will chair Men for the Cure 2016; and Sharon and Jerry Linhart.

From left, Jesse Rush, Dominic and Carol Capuano with their daughter, 2015 Ambassador Clarissa Capuano, and Alec Rush. (Pamela Cress, Special to The Denver Post)

It’s not easy to fool John Sie. Or, for that matter, his wife, Anna.

But the couple had no idea that they would be receiving the 2015 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award until the first frames of a video chronicling their amazing lives started to roll at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.
They had arrived at the Colorado Convention Center thinking that Jamie Brewer, the first model with Down syndrome to walk a runway at New York Fashion Week, was the sole honoree.

John and Anna Sie, left, with Linda and Dr. Richard Kelley. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

The Sies — he’s the founder and former chairman of Starz Entertainment Group, the parent to such premium movie channels as Starz and Encore — established the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation in 2005 to support causes relating to Down syndrome, international security and diplomacy, education, arts and culture and media. The foundation was the founding donor to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Their commitment to Down syndrome research, education and advocacy began when their first grandchild, Sophia Kay Whitten, was born with it. Sophia’s mother, Michelle Sie Whitten, is the president and chief executive officer of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Michelle Sie Whitten and her daughter, Sophia, applaud the models on the runway. (Pamela Cress, Special to The Denver Post)

Academy Award winning actor Jamie Foxx joined such other stars at Beau Bridges, Minka Kelly and John C. McGinley for dinner and a fashion show that raised at least $2 million for the foundation.

There was a good reason Rachel Platten was booked as the opening act for the entertainment segment of the 38th Children’s Hospital Gala. Her hit, “Fight Song,” reflects so well the determination it takes to believe in yourself.

Or, in a context related to the occasion, the grit it takes to overcome a serious — or life-threatening — medical condition.

Such as the leukemia from which young Diana Reidy has recovered.

Kevin and Ann Reidy were the hosts for the 2015 Children’s Hospital Gala. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

Diana is the daughter of Kevin and Ann Reidy, who hosted the gala that raised a record $2.1 million. Kevin Reidy is also the chairman of the Children’s Hospital Colorado board.

Diana’s grandfather, University of Colorado president Bruce Benson, and his wife, Marcy, along with Diana’s grandmother, Nancy Lake Benson, were among the gala’s Imagine Sponsors.

Platten’s set preceded Super Diamond, the Neil Diamond tribute band that kept the 1,400 guests on the dance floor for well over an hour.

As one of Denver’s premiere fundraising events, the Children’s Hospital Gala attracts an A-List crowd. What sets it apart from the others, though, is that most everyone there has a personal connection to the hospital headed by Jena Hausmann and located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

9News personality Kyle Dyer, for example, signed on for a second year as mistress of ceremonies as a means of expressing the gratitude she and her husband have for the medical team that saved her youngest daughter’s life.

“When we learned that our daughter needed to have her trachea rebuilt, we discovered there were only three doctors in the United States who could do it, and one of them was at Children’s,” Dyer said.

Steve Peterson captures souvenir photos of the 1,400 guests. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

In addition to the Reidys, the team that made the gala such a success included steering committee chair Janie Stoddard (her husband, Rick, is chairman of the hospital foundation board); Sylvia Atencio, Cristen Calamari, Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod, Tammy Krause, Lyn Schaffer, Stephanie Seebaum and Joan Slaughter.

The guests included artist William Matthews and his wife, Laura Barton; King Soopers president Russ Dispense and his wife, Debbie; Michael Niyompong, chief operating officer at Clayton Early Learning; Steve White, president of Comcast’s Western division, and his wife, Barbita; attorney Annita Menogan, chief legal executive at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, and David Greene; Maureen and Ren Cannon, the immediate past president of the Kempe Foundation board; Cy and Lyndia Harvey; Carlos Alvarez and Carolyn Morris, the donors of a seven-day stay at the Hotel El Jardin de Carrejo in Cantabria, Spain; Cille and Ron Williams; Bridget and John Grier; Christie and Sage Hospitality chief Walter Isenberg; jeweler Steve Rosdal; Kathy and John Fenley; Kimberly and Jay Coughlon; Kelly and John Eisinger; Molly and Dr. Sumeet Garg; Therese Ivancovich and Greg Sissel; and Wendy and Dr. Michael Handler.

Michael Niyompong, left, Barbita White and Steve White were among the 1,400 guests at the 38th Children’s Hospital Gala. (Joanne Davidson, Special to The Denver Post)

Sara Evans performs for the 1,100 guests at Western Fantasy, an event that raised $1 million for Colorado branch of Volunteers of America. (Pam Cress, Special to The Denver Post)

You know what they say about how the show must go on?

Sara Evans sure does.

One week before she was to be in Denver to headline the 22nd Western Fantasy, the country music star perhaps best known for her chart-topping “Born To Fly” took a tumble on the steps of her tour bus and sustained a painful injury to her ACL.

She came, she sang and she received a standing ovation from the 1,100 guests attending this event chaired by Faye and Dr. Reginald Washington and held at the National Western Events Center.

“It hurts,” Evans admitted mid-set. “A lot.”

In a further display of true grit, Evans avoided — ’til almost the end of her show — the stool that had been placed on stage for her to sit on should standing cause her knee to hurt even more.

Western Fantasy chairs Faye and Dr. Reginald Washington. (Pam Cress, Special to The Denver Post)

Faye Washington has served on the Western Fantasy steering committee since 2004, and joined VOA-Colorado’s board of directors four years ago. She is currently its secretary. Reggie Washington, a pediatric cardiologist, is chief medical officer at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

This year’s theme, the Colorado Iron Horse Express, was a nod to the railroads that opened the American West.

“It is upon the strong shoulders of the men and women who ventured into a new land that we stand proud in Colorado,” said Dianna Kunz, the president/CEO of VOA-Colorado. “Tonight we welcome people rich in the spirit of giving a helping hand: neighbors helping neighbors. Tonight the National Western Events Center is filled with the spirit of the West: men and women passionate about making Colorado a premier place for everyone.”

Volunteers of America is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable by providing food, shelter and compassion.

Western Fantasy also was the occasion for VOA-Colorado to honor the owners of Trice Jewelers, Ralph and Anne Klomp, by presenting them with its highest honor, the Noel and Tammy Cunningham Humanitarian of the Year Award.

The Klomps are international philanthropists, supporting such local nonprofit organizations as Boy Scouts, the Colorado Symphony, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, National Sports Center for the Disabled, Cancer League, the National Repertory Orchestra, Arapahoe House and VOA. They also are involved in humanitarian efforts in Africa, traveling there frequently to participate in immunization programs and efforts to provide safe drinking water in impoverished villages.

In addition, for the past several years they have sponsored the Diamond Mine drawing that is part of the Western Fantasy social hour. It involves guests purchasing chances to win diamonds donated by Trice Jewelers.

“We’re so honored just to be a part of VOA,” Ralph Klomp said as he and his wife accepted the Humanitarian Award from Rick Bruno, chairman of the VOA-Colorado board.

Western Fantasy’s cofounder, Sharon Magness Blake, presents the colors while riding Thunder, mascot of the Denver Broncos, around the arena floor. (Photo by Pam Cress, Special to The Denver Post)

Western Fantasy was founded by Sharon Magness Blake and Jean Galloway, both of whom were present for the 2015 edition.